If you're in the States, I think most of the 2011s came with marzocchi/ohlins suspension, wheras the 2010s came with sachs/sachs.
The 2011 should have a different head light, plastics and graphics. The 11s have a choice of stock E start too.
They go alright if you can find parts for them! *bangshead*
The actual fork is just your normal normal catridge style fork. They can be made to work alright. Most experience a bit of mid stroke harshness with the stock stack (if there even is such a thing. I think every year Sachs changed the stack and no one knows what they have until they open it up).
The shims have a 7mm ID which is hard to find. Think machine your own up, and I have been waiting around 5 months now for 2 replacement clickers (top cap) which are a $2 item but no one (including GG spain) is having much luck getting a hold of any. I ended up spending to have my damaged one repaired. Faark waiting this long. Based on that alone I would say go for a another brand given the choice.
The 48mm Sachs can house the Ohlins TTX though which is ace. I think most are happy with the shock.
My bike is a 2010 Race running Ohlins 888 rear, Sachs 48mm front. They're not a bad fork. Just a bit painful to get parts for.
Don't let it turn you off the bike. Quite a few tuners and people here would rate the build quality fo the 48mm sachs over the 45mm zokes. (heaps threads on the zokes too).
The 48mm zokes on the 2012 models or late 2011 Nambo/Race are apparently the ducks nuts.
If you're in the states I'm sure Les (LTR) can mod the Sachs to take normal shims etc.
EC and XC is just different naming and no difference in bike. Sure some of the XC's came with sticker kits saying EC
Joe: With the right tools, not bad at all. Not only that, but we've been pretty successful at making them work world 'round - search on simmo737's post on why not to sell your Sachs-equipped bike.